Wind Power News: April 2017

These news and opinion items are gathered by National Wind Watch to help keep readers informed about developments related to industrial wind energy. They are the products of the organizations or individuals noted and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of National Wind Watch.

Campaigners are celebrating after a controversial plan for three new wind turbines was withdrawn a day before a final decision was due. Applicant Viridis Wind Turbines wanted to erect the 77-metre high structures on Hoddlesden Moss. Blackburn with Darwen Council’s planning officers had recommended the proposal for refusal and it was due to be debated at a meeting last night. However the plan, which had attracted almost 1,400 objections, was withdrawn from the planning process. Planners had received 904 letters . . .Complete story »

NEW BEDFORD – Amid all of the challenges that could face offshore wind power along the East Coast – legal disputes from commercial fishing advocates, construction plans altered by whale migrations, President Donald Trump’s emphasis on revitalizing fossil fuels and more – some promising news for renewable industry supporters arrived in mid-March. That’s when a telling indication of how offshore wind power might fare under President Trump was delivered, after an uncertain, wait-and-see winter. Following months of silence about offshore wind, a statement . . .Complete story »

Here’s why western Maine is under pressure to site industrial wind developments on our mountains: Over the past decade all the New England states have enacted legislation requiring varying amounts of energy be supplied by renewable energy sources. That sounds all well and good. Renewable sources include such things as solar power, wind development, geothermal and others. Some of these sources are more invasive than others. Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island are densely populated and require large amounts of power . . .Complete story »

An application for 22 wind turbines in Barrhill has been sent to the Scottish Government for further discussion. A decision on the proposal for the construction and operation of a wind farm at Chirmorie was originally delayed for more information. The information that was presented at last week’s Planning Panel was to construct and operate an 80WM windfarm, 5.5km south-west of Barrhill, holding a height, almost, of 150m. Noise was the main focus of the previous rejections. The council, in . . .Complete story »

RALEIGH – A House committee gave a tentative nod to new changes in proposed wind energy legislation, while both chambers worked through dozens of bills in an attempt to beat an end-of-week deadline. Crossover week in the North Carolina General Assembly is generally a marathon followed by a sprint. Any non-appropriations bill that hasn’t been passed by one chamber – and thus crossed over to the other side – can’t be taken up again. Still, legislative language has been known to resurface, . . .Complete story »

According to a state press release dated April 21, the New York Department of Environmental Conservation bought 17 acres “in the historic maritime hamlet of Setauket” with state Environmental Protection Funds. Why? “For watershed protection, forest health, and passive recreation in accordance with a Unit Management Plan that will be developed in the near future with community input.” DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos praised the governor, saying, “… to purchase this parcel shows Governor Cuomo’s continued commitment to protecting our waterfront . . .Complete story »

Marlette Township residents will be asked to vote on a wind turbine ordinance during Tuesday’s election. The ordinance will change the rules for wind turbines in the township if approved. “I just need to convey to the voters that we are not voting on whether we are going to allow or not allow windmills to come to the township,” said Glen Phillips, Marlette Township zoning administrator. “They already are a permitted use. What we are voting on is a newer, . . .Complete story »

When will it end? In doing some checking, I found my property tax has almost doubled in 10 years. We all know the national debt has doubled in eight years. When my license for the car came, the cost had gone from $120 to $193. Has your income kept up with this kind of increase? I know mine has not. I realize everything is getting more expensive, but when the government is involved, it seems to go faster. President Reagan . . .Complete story »

A Barnstable Superior Court jury found in favor of the Town of Falmouth on Thursday, April 27, in a nuisance trial concerning Wind 1, one of the town’s two wind turbines. But another case involving the same plaintiffs could start in early May. Blacksmith Shop Road residents Elizabeth L. Andersen and Neil P. Andersen sued the town in September 2012. The Andersens, who abut Wind 1, claimed the structure’s operation disrupted their ability to enjoy their property. The Andersens sought . . .Complete story »

Over the next few years, North Dakotans will have their nighttime view improved with a reduction in the frequency of seeing blinking red lights atop wind turbines. House Bill 1378 passed the North Dakota Senate by a 45-1 vote on April 20 with no debate. It now heads to the governor’s desk for his signature [NWW note: signed April 24]. HB1378 requires that all wind turbines install aircraft detection lighting systems. All wind energy projects approved after June 5, 2016, . . .Complete story »